Friend,

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend as we observe Memorial Day. This year, Laina and I say a prayer of gratitude for the many individuals who have laid down their lives for our country, and the many families who have lost loved ones. Today and every day, we must remember the cost of freedom, and thank those who continue to serve.

Additionally, this week, I spoke from the floor about the military caregiver. Please see that speech below, and learn about ways to help our military caregivers, and the hidden heroes through the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caring For Military Families.

See below for more of what we’ve been up to this week, and as always, please never hesitate to contact me and my office about ways we can help you, or questions or concerns you may have.

See the above video for my bipartisan message on the Global Week of Action on Hunger and Famine with my friend, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

In the House
Meeting with Ag Secretary and USTR

This week’s committee roundtable was a great opportunity to hear directly from the Administration about their trade policy priorities, including enforcement of existing agreements.

In addition to enforcement, it is critical to Kansas farmers and ranchers that the Administration begins to fulfill it’s promise of bilateral market access in key countries like Japan.

Expanding trade opportunities is key to reviving Kansas’ rural economy. As Secretary Perdue said, ‘A healthy U.S. economy is dependent upon Agriculture. A healthy ag economy is dependent upon trade.’

These two individuals are key players in crafting that trade policy. That is why it was an honor to have them in front of the House Ag Committee.

 

Statement on the President’s Budget

While there are several provisions with which I disagree, I appreciate the President laying out a specific and bold budget proposal that balances within 10 years, and recognizes the fiscal challenges facing our country.

The proposed cuts to ag programs, which make up only 0.26% of the entire federal budget, are particularly concerning to me. In today’s depressed agricultural economy, supporting our farmers and ranchers is a must. Crop insurance costs on average $28 per American each year, and helps ensure an affordable, reliable food source – something we can’t take for granted.

I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to prepare a final budget.

Visiting Tornado Damage in Barton Co.

The scene of tornado damage (pictured below) was all too familiar to my eyes as I visited impacted areas.

Having raced over to Hoisington shortly after its devastating destruction in 2001, and having witnessed firsthand a tornado go through our hunting cabin and surrounding neighbors (the same tornado that destroyed Greensburg), this scene of leafless trees and flattened houses brought back to reality how helpless we all are in the face of Mother Nature.

According to Barton County Sheriff Bellendir, who kept me updated, some 15 houses were left with only a foundation. One minor injury was treated on the scene.

Since the tornado, we’ve had several early evening storms, some of which contained 60 -70 mile an hour winds, hail, and sheets of ice like I’ve never seen before.

As a result of the weather, it would appear that some people will have excellent wheat crops this year, and others will have none.

As we have now suffered over the past 2 months with a 600,000-acre prairie fire, a 15-20″ snow in May, tornadoes and hail, there is no wonder why Kansas possess toughness and grit. Laina and I pray for all impacted, and will do everything we can to help.